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 STEPHEN, son of Stephen, Earl of Blois, and of Adela, daughter of William I., succeeded his uncle, and was crowned at Westminster, on December 26, 1135. He was a prince of great courage, fortitude, and activity, and though is necessities sometimes obliged him to take such measures for his safety as were inconsistent with honour, he was naturally brave, open, and liberal; and his patience and clemcacy were particularly conspicuous. He died October 28, 1154, in the 50th year of his age, and the 19th of his reign.

Among the remarkable events of this reign may be noticed, the destruction of a great part of London by fire, and the first introduction of the canon law.

HENRY II, was the son of Geoffrey Plantagenet, and the empress Maud, daughter of Henry I. He was born at Mans, March 4, 1133; and crowned December 20, 1154. In his person the Norman and Saxon blood were united, and in him commenced the race of the Plantagenets. Henry was generous, merciful, polite, learned, and courageous; but he was unfortunately incontinent, prone to anger, and transported with the lust of power. He died at Chinon, in Touralne, on the 6th of July, 1189, in the 57th year of his age, and the 35th of his reign.

In this reign Thomas-à-Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral, and the king went in pilgrimage to visit his tomb.